Israelis on the way: The island that will soon replace the familiar beaches of Thailand

To plan your holiday on Phú Quốc Island correctly, it is worth getting to know its geographical structure. The island is divided into several main areas, each of which offers a completely different character. In the center of the west coast lies the main town of Duong Dong, the beating heart of the island where the famous night market is located. Most tourists do not stay in the town itself, but near the coastal strip to the south of it – “Long Beach”. The area is full of restaurants, local nightlife and the famous long stretch of beach, with luxurious and luxurious resorts along it.

In the southern part of the island lies the picturesque town of Sunset Town and the famous cable car that leaves from it. The north of the island is characterized by holiday parks and amusements for the whole family, alongside wild nature reserves. In contrast, the eastern side offers pristine, secluded beaches like Sao Beach, which attract travelers mainly for magical day trips or for a more secluded and quiet vacation.

South of the Island: The World’s Longest Cable Car, a Water Park and an Italian Touch

The real surprise of Phu Quoc begins at the southern tip of the island with its main attraction – the Hon Thom Cable Car, which holds the Guinness World Record for the longest cable car in the world, with an incredible length of almost eight kilometers. During the twenty-minute ride, you float high above the stunning turquoise sea, a fishing village, colorful fishing boats and small, forested islands. The 360-degree panoramic view is an experience in itself, one that prepares you for the next wonder.

The cable car leads directly to another island, home to the huge Sun World Hon Thom amusement park, located on Hon Thom Island, where all of its attractions are included in the price of the cable car ride and at no additional charge. The heart of the island is the Aquatopia water park, designed in the wild tribal style of a lonely and mysterious island. The park offers over 20 modern and diverse water slides, from extremely fast extreme slides designed as giant octopuses and snakes, through turbulent wave pools to a long and relaxing lazy river where you can leisurely cruise on tubes. Beyond the water park, the Exotica Village complex offers a roller coaster made entirely of wood (Roaring Timbers) that provides an extraordinary adrenaline experience, alongside an impressive observation tower (Eagle’s Eye) that rises to a height of 120 meters and slowly rotates in front of the landscape. For those who want a bit of natural peace, you can walk or take a tuk-tuk to the nearby well-kept beach, where rows of palm trees provide unparalleled beauty. The beach has sunbeds, umbrellas, hammocks and free-to-use changing rooms for visitors.

Photo: Shiran Katznelson

When returning to the main island by cable car in the afternoon (the last cable car leaves at 5:30 p.m.), it is highly recommended not to skip the town of Sunset Town. It is a spectacular and meticulous replica of picturesque Italian beach towns. The buildings are painted in warm pastel shades of orange, yellow and pink, and the architecture is so detailed that it even includes simulated cracks in the walls to give a sense of ancient and authentic history. The first thing you’ll notice when visiting the town is probably the central clock tower, which resembles the famous St. Mark’s Tower in Venice, alongside photogenic fountains and wide Spanish Steps. One of the town’s most famous landmarks is the “Kiss Bridge,” which consists of two enormous concrete arms that stretch out over the sea and almost touch each other. During the island’s famous sunset hours, the sun slides right into the narrow gap between the arms of the bridge, creating one of the most romantic and photographed sunsets in Asia. Admission to the bridge is also included in the cable car ticket, so there’s no need to pay separately.

Every evening, spectacular giant shows take place near the “Kiss Bridge” in front of the sea, combining stunts and advanced multimedia technology. The main and most famous show is “Kiss of the Sea”, a flagship show held in a huge amphitheater on the water, where about 60 dancers and artists present a cosmic love story. The show uses huge water screens, dancing fountains, lasers, real fire effects and ends every evening with a magnificent fireworks show that lights up the sky above the bridge.

The famous Sunset Town Night Market is the place to end the day, literally. Located within walking distance of the “Kissing Bridge”, the market offers a lively culinary experience and includes dozens of stalls offering local street food (including Thai), fresh seafood, beers, smoothies, handicrafts and unique souvenirs from Phu Quoc. Beyond the shopping and culinary experience, the market is famous for its free interactive street shows that take place every evening. The market is open daily from 4:00 PM to midnight, and is the perfect ending to a busy day.

The center of the island is the beating and bustling heart of the vacation, and the place where it all begins. This is where the island’s state-of-the-art international airport is located, allowing you to land and be at your resort within minutes. The undisputed highlight of the central area is the famous Long Beach coastline, endless miles of soft golden sand, palm trees stretching close to the water and phenomenal sunsets.

Over the years, this coastline has become a luxurious and vibrant lifestyle empire, where the world’s largest and most prestigious international hotel brands have established (and are still establishing) their resorts. In this area, you can stay in the huge, luxurious complexes of chains such as InterContinental Regent, Pullman, Novotel and more. These hotels are characterized by modern architecture, infinity pools, luxurious spa centers and private beaches.